Abstract

Some readers question our independence, believing the Bulletin to be published by a government agency. Other readers dislike the anonymity of our articles, claiming that a named author would lend authority. In fact; each article is commissioned by the editors of the Bulletin from a specialist in the field; this draft, and the evidence on which it is based, is scrutinised carefully and then sent for comment to about 30 specialists chosen for their knowledge of the subject. These include general practitioners, hospital consultants, basic scientists, the manufacturers of any products mentioned in the article, and representatives of organisations such as the DHSS, the CSM and the ABPI. We consider all their comments when preparing the final version, particularly those based on adeouate evidence. All our articles are therefore published anonymously and express a consensus view, rather than that of any individual, agency or manufacturer.